authorize

Definition

To grant (someone) the permission or power necessary to do (something); to permit; to sanction or consent to.

Etymology

From Middle English auctorisen, from Old French auctorisier, from Medieval Latin auctorizare, from Latin auctor. See author about the orthography with ⟨h⟩. Doublet of octroy.

Example Sentences

• "The General Assembly authorized the Council to take up the matter."
• "The judge authorized the wiretapping."
• "The term “Alfredian” then is not univocal; it can mean, depending on the argument, anything from Alfred setting down words by himself, to Alfred working with a little or a lot of help in writing or dictating, or to Alfred authorizing another or others to act in his name with degrees of his personal involvement varying from much to nil."